The article headline refers to Mrs. O's "tiny" shorts - WTF? They look normal to me. Besides, nothing she wears could be called "tiny" - which isn't a dig at her, just a recogntion that she is a tall woman of average proportions.

Personally, I don't get why people nit-pick at others' clothing. Who cares? I care much more about what those people are doing to the country, regardless of what they wear while they're doing it.

In the photo from the front it looks like PResident Obama's shirt is loose enough to conceal soft body armor, but from the rear, his scapulae show enough to mean he's not wearing a vest -- which is more comfortable, though less secure.

Can the rider passing the PResident really be surprised, since he was likely searched & his bike scanned & sniffed, before he was allowed on the path?

I guess we should consider ourselves fortunate: Yes, we elected a closet socialist President, one with closely guarded ties to former Weathermen and raving black nationalists, who appears bent on the destruction of our country by collapsing it from within.

But at least he's a feckless, lazy pussy.

I mean, imagine if we'd instead elected someone with the same agenda, but with some ambition.

She looks fine, though nowhere near stylish. The insistence that she is toned and stylish Is completely patronizing. If she were stylish, we'd notice without being told. Really. And those shorts aren't tiny...they'd better not be, with those legs.

We survived Mamie Eisenhower and Bess Truman; we can survive another first lady like that.

It is amusing to listen to the childish giggling of the Right and then listen to them claim they act that childish because that is what the "Liberals"! do to them. Well, no, it isn't. About 90 % of the noise is coming from you and has been coming from you for years. Most liberals are adults and have jobs. And even if you were just responding back there is a old saying your mommy should have told you...just because someone else acts like a jerk there is no reason for you to do so. Making fun of the First Family is pretty silly and juvenile. I am sure Michelle could put her thighs up against most of yours without to much worry.

Pragmatist- I think everyone would agree with you that this is childish fun. They're celebrities enjoying a nice vacation on our dime. We are entitled to our own $.02. Though you still felt the need to defend the first lady's thighs, eh?

"I can understand Ann being against men in shorts in the city or on airplanes, but I think shorts are often appropriate for relaxed vacation spots and for sports (such as biking)."

My men-in-shorts rule always had exceptions, and one was: in a sport where shorts are the conventional attire. Tennis, biking, basketball, running.... those are all shorts sports, so it's not a problem.

Pragmatist- also recall how much enthusiasm for the President was about aesthetics. His skin color, yes, but also his voice, his tone, the way he carried himself. Some of the more overwrought supporters had fantasies about him. And now we see him with rolled up jeans sitting awkwardly on a bike.

In any event, Althouse here was mostly criticizing the criticism. Here bizarre disdain for men's shorts is a theme here, you see.

Ann, you really have to get over this shorts thing. When I go home to my non-air-conditioned home in a few minutes, it will be 109 F there. If you think I should swelter in long pants because you don't want to look at my white, hairy legs, then I have no sympathy at all. Sports, hah! Unless doing the backstroke in your own sweat is a sport.

This kind of ribbing is the price these folk - politicians, celebrities, anyone constantly in the public eye - pay for the money, attention, and perks they get for being famous. In the Obamas' case, the are certainly coddled enough that a little harmless kidding shouldn't hurt them too much. But they put themselves out there so they have to put up with it. Either that, or move out of the White House.